Former magistrate Shaun Kubonera and Allen Bhaswi appeared in court on fraud charges, accused of deceiving individuals by falsely claiming connections in the President’s Office.
The pair faced allegations of defrauding Mr. Shingirai Nyengere, a legal practitioner, under the guise of facilitating loans and appointments.
According to State prosecutor Mr. Kevin Munyimi, Bhaswi purportedly offered Mr. Nyengere a loan of US$60,000, requesting a US$248 application fee.
ALSO READ: Minister Felix Mhona Cracks Down on Corruption at VID Chitungwiza Depot
Bhaswi, introducing Kubonera as his brother, allegedly misrepresented to Mr. Nyengere that arrangements were made with the President for Nyengere to be appointed as a property manager, demanding additional fees for the appointment.
In subsequent months, Bhaswi allegedly convinced Mr. Nyengere to provide funds for various purposes, including importation assistance and expensive gifts purportedly for the President. These requests amounted to a total of US$6,978.
Suspicions arose when Mr. Nyengere received a call from an unknown person claiming to be President Mnangagwa, requesting further payments for importation. Doubting the legitimacy of the calls, Mr. Nyengere eventually reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission after realizing he had lost US$11,747.
The accused individuals were remanded in custody pending a bail application. The case highlights the prevalence of fraudulent schemes and underscores the importance of vigilance in financial transactions.